Player considering move after Arsenal make offer for £26m Brazilian

The Mirror are reporting that Rafinha is considering a switch to Arsenal this summer after we put forward an offer to sign the £26.4m-rated Barcelona full-back.

Rafinha has been with Barcelona his entire career having progressed through the famous La Masia youth academy and he’s now an established member of Luis Enrique’s squad.

However, he only started 16 games in all competitions last season and he’s been linked with a move away this summer in search of regular first team football which would boost his chances of making the Brazil squad for the 2018 World Cup.

It looks like Arsenal are ready to offer him a fresh start as the Mirror are citing a report coming from ESPN Brazil that claims we’ve put forward an offer for Rafinha’s signature.

No precise details about the supposed bid have been disclosed but the newspaper says Rafinha is now considering the offer and Barcelona value the 24-year-old at £26.4m.

The South American is predominantly used at right-back but he’s also comfortable playing in the centre of midfield so his versatility would be a useful asset if we could get a deal agreed.

It’s difficult to know how much truth there is behind this report as there is so much speculation around these days but if ESPN Brazil’s claim is accurate then it could mean one of two things.

Either Wenger is lining-up Rafinha as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin – who’s been strongly linked with a return to Barca – or the boss sees him as competition for the Spaniard and a useful squad player.

Personally, I think it’s the latter as I just don’t see us selling Bellerin to Barcelona just yet but the problem is the Catalans will surely intensify their efforts to land Hector if they agree to sell Rafinha.

So for that reason, I wouldn’t be too disappointed if we missed out on the Brazilian as I don’t want Barcelona unsettling Bellerin any more than they are already.